about this product

Vat 1 Semillon is an extremely refined wine style with strong regional character. The young wines show plenty of pure fresh lemony curd fruit characters and a clean steely, almost bracing acid backbone. Over time the wine becomes extremely complex, with a golden colour, honeyed, straw-like aromas and a soft, immensely complex and flavoursome palate. It is this capacity to develop so beautifully that has given Vat 1 an extraordinary reputation for cellaring. Typically the fruit is derived from the mature Short Flat vineyard ranging from 90 to 50 year old vines and are dry-grown on primarily sandy alluvial loams. No supplementary irrigation is used. The fruit is hand-picked in late January and early February at relatively low sweetness levels making these wines some of the lowest alcohol wines produced in Australia. The juice is clarified before a relatively cool fermentation in stainless steel. Depending on vintage the wine receives between one and eight weeks yeast lees contact to increase overall complexity. The wine never sees new oak but is matured prior to bottling in stainless steel.

Style: Semillon
Vintage: 2015

Region: Hunter Valley
Code: TV1

Varietal: Semillon
Country: Australia

Review Nick Stock

This is a strong edition of vat 1, from a warm and dry season. The nose is all classic lemon and light toast with very attractive purity. The palate is teflon-like, smooth and sleek. So polished and so pure with pristine lemon flavors.

96 points, JamesSuckling.com (October 2020)
Review James Halliday

From old, dry-grown vineyards dating as far back as '23, hand picking and sorting eliminated botrytis, leaving a pure display of citrus fruits headed by lemon, with lime and grapefruit also in the mix, all framed by hallmark acidity. A wine in its infancy, its best years a long way into the next decade and beyond.

95 points, Wine Companion (September 2015)
Review Gary Walsh

Honey and some soapy perfume, white fruit like pears, plus mixed citrus and a flicker of pepper. Light in body, yet delivers plenty of flavour, ripe lime, lovely clean acidity – almost a sherbetty character – then a finish that’s light, delicate but very long. Precision and beauty. Good bet for the cellar too.

95 points, The Wine Front (August 2015)
Review Huon Hooke

Light, bright yellow colour, with a quite complex bouquet showing straw, dried herbs and the beginnings of toast. There is good intensity of flavour and the palate is full and complete, with sprightly acidity but also power and richness. The finish is long. A very good Vat 1. All it needs is time.

93 points, The Real Review (October 2020)

Region Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales, even though it represents only a Franceaction of the state’s production. Established in the early 1800s, the first vignerons recognised that the coastal Franceinge north of Sydney was too wet and humid for viable viticulture and thus took the decision to move into the hinterland. Although the region can be particularly hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns significantly modify the microclimate. The Hunter Valley is maritime influenced, with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River and Goulburn River gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial. The best vineyard sites are located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range that is exposed to the cool sea breezes. Further inland, the maritime influence gives way to a greater degree of continentality. The Hunter Valley is best known for exceptional age-

The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales, even though it represents only a Franceaction of the state’s production. Established in the early 1800s, the first vignerons recognised that the coastal Franceinge north of Sydney was too wet and humid for viable viticulture and thus took the decision to move into the hinterland. Although the region can be particularly hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns significantly modify the microclimate. The Hunter Valley is maritime influenced, with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River and Goulburn River gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial. The best vineyard sites are located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range that is exposed to the cool sea breezes. Further inland, the maritime influence gives way to a greater degree of continentality. The Hunter Valley is best known for exceptional age-worthy Semillon and Franceesh savoury medium-bodied Shiraz, although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay also perform well.

view more / less

Winery TYRRELL'S

Tyrrell’s is one of the oldest family wineries in Australia with a history dating to the mid 19th century. In 1850 Edward Tyrrell arrived in Sydney. He was eventually granted 330 acres of prime Hunter Valley land, planting his first vines in 1858. Tyrrell’s first vintage in 1864 began a family tradition of winemaking in the Hunter Valley. His original slab hut is still standing today. The economic slump in the 1930s,saw a decline in production as demand waned. Over the years Tyrrell’s has managed to survive and thrive, producing numerous wines including a handful of premium wines including the iconic Vat 1 Semillon, Vat 47 Chardonnay and Vat 9 Shiraz.

TYRRELL'S Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley 2015

TYRRELL'S Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley 2015

about this product

Review Nick Stock

Review James Halliday

Review Gary Walsh

Review Huon Hooke

Region Hunter Valley

Winery TYRRELL'S